(Lester’s POV)“Agravante?” I lifted my head when I heard the jail officer called my name. My brows furrowed slightly when I saw him unlocking the bars. “You're free.”I stood up from being slumped on the dirty ground of the prison. I stayed the night here, and I’ve never felt so disgusted before. The man near my cell keeps on picking his nose. I tried bribing one of the officers yesterday, but he just took my money and left.Don't ask me why I tried to rape Camilla. I also don't know the answer to that.She's just… too attractive."Lester?"A voice, hesitant yet familiar, broke through the haze of my thoughts. I turned, my gaze settling on Cindy, her face etched with a mixture of relief and apprehension. She stood there, holding a worn leather bag, her eyes wide and searching."Cindy," I mumbled, my voice raspy, unused. I only spent one night in the prison, but I felt like a whole different person now.It really gave me a lot of time to reflect."I... I'm so glad you're out," Cindy s
(Camilla’s POV)I stopped momentarily to look behind me when I felt a presence moving. I found Kalel watching me at the door of my bedroom. His hair is all messy, and his hooded eyes tell me that he just woke up from his deep sleep.“You're awake?” I said, turning off the treadmill where I have been walking for about thirty minutes now. “I made you breakfast. It’s on the table. Do you want me to reheat it?” I asked, using the towel to dry the sweat on my face. I glanced at Kalel when I received no response from him.“Uhmm hello?” I awkwardly said, waving my hand on my face to pull him back to reality.He was just staring at me and it’s awkward.“You took care of me,” he said as if it’s not obvious already. I rolled my eyes at him. If he’s going to tease me because of that he better shut up if he doesn't want to leave my apartment with an empty stomach. “Thank you. I thought you were just going to leave me in the street. I’m sorry for the inconvenience I may have caused you.”“If you'r
(Camilla’s POV)My eyes glanced at the door as soon as I heard three heavy knocks. I rolled my eyes, knowing very well who could be bothering me this early. “I’m not ready yet, Butler Jin!” I complained, giving my face a last retouch.I received no response from the outside door, but he continued knocking which irritated me a ton. He thinks I’ll open the door like that?With one earring missing, I went to the door to open it. Let me give my butler a piece of my mind. He knows I don't hurry myself when it comes to dolling up. My date is going to be very cute, and I can't look like a freaking raccoon beside him.“I told you I’m not done—” I wasn't able to finish what I was saying because it was a different man that greeted me as soon as I opened the door. “Kalel?”His eyes went down to my clothes.I stood before him, a vision in a crimson gown that seemed to defy gravity, clinging to my curves like a second skin. The fabric, a deep, rich red, shimmered under the soft glow of the chandel
(Cindy’s POV)I gracefully went back to our table like I didn't just ruin somebody else’s gown. That woman thinks I’m going to just sit back and watch her receive all the praise while I get the looks of disgust?I can't believe everyone is thinking that I copied her dress. I obviously had no idea she was going to pick the same style as mine. Lester was the one who bought me this gown. He said I looked astonishing in it, and now his eyes are locked to Camilla? That whore really knows how to attract attention. She wore it better than me.“Where were you?” Lester asked, his brows arching in confusion. I didn't excuse myself properly earlier. I knew I had to take my chances and follow Camilla immediately when she went out to go to the restroom.I smiled sweetly at him. “I had to wash my hands,” I said, feeling better now that I know she looks like a mess at this very moment.She said she was supposed to deliver some kind of speech tonight. Well, I’d like to see him talk in front while wea
(Cindy’s POV)"How could you, Lester? Flirting with Camilla right in front of me, your wife!" I frantically shouted as soon as he parked the car outside the mansion. My voice is trembling with fury, my eyes flashing in betrayal. I couldn't stop thinking of the way he looked at Camilla earlier.Does he still want his ex-wife?!My knuckles turned white in anger. I would have crushed the purse I’m holding if it wasn't so expensive.Lester shrugged nonchalantly. "You're being paranoid, Cindy. Camilla is just a business colleague," he retorted, dismissing my concerns with a wave of his hand. He indifferently turned his back at me, not even a hint of concern on his face.I have been whining to him on our way home. I kept accusing him of wanting to cheat on Camilla. Well, can you blame me when he’s not even ashamed to show his attraction to her in front of me?Something tells me that Camilla is deliberately seducing him. She knows that Lester finds her attractive, and she’s purposely turning
(Lester’s POV)It was a rainy day in my office, and I had a pile of financial reports to take care of when my lawyer, Mr. Wilkins, entered with a grave expression on his face. I arched my brows at him. I don't remember calling him, which means there's a problem.He only comes here when something is up in Nexus that I should be worried about.The air in the room seemed to thicken as I looked up, sensing the weight of my lawyer's presence. He took the vacant chair in front of my desk. I threw him a curious glance. I don't like how his expression is painted.It feels like bad news to me.“Speak,” I briefly said, putting the screen of my laptop down. He looked at me, a hint of seriousness in his face. I began fidgeting my pen in my hands. He’s making me nervous when he’s like that."Lester, I have some troubling news," Mr. Wilkins began, his voice low and serious.My heart skipped a beat as I set down the papers, a sense of foreboding creeping over me. "What is it, Mr. Wilkins? What's wro
(Agnes’s POV)[One week later]My lips carved into a smirk as the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights illuminated my boutique. I scanned my eyes to the people who accepted my invitation to join me in the grand welcoming ceremony for my newly opened shop. I told everyone to wear something fancy, not wanting to ruin the expensive aesthetic of my shop.I was originally aiming to invite famous celebrities in my shop, but I wasn't expecting it to be harder than I thought. The person I bought this boutique from promised me that the celebrities knew this shop’s name.Did I just get scammed? Well, it doesn't matter anymore. I’m enjoying the hint of envy and jealousy in everybody’s eyes.They must be thinking that I’m living their dream lives again.Oh, how much I enjoy making these pitiful creatures jealous of my success. They could never be better than me. I was just lost for a few months after my forced vacation in Spain but I’m back.Richer than ever.The air was filled with a mix of excit
(Camilla’s POV)I watched in anticipation from my sleek black car that was parked across the street as Agnes poured her heart out to the designer, pleading for a unique design that could save her from impending defeat.My eyes narrowed as I observed the scene unfolding before me, a twisted smile playing on my lips.Who would have thought that she could turn into something like this? Looks like I have really found her weak spot. All I had to do was use her arrogance against her. It didn't take too much effort.My phone buzzed with an incoming call, and I answered with a cool, collected tone. "Yes, what is it?" I inquired, my voice tinged with a hint of anticipation.The designer's voice came through the line, uncertainty evident in her tone. "Miss Camilla, Agnes is here, begging for a unique design. What should I do?" she asked.A smirk carved into my lips.I have been sending a mailman to leave a flier about this designer outside her apartment. It looks like her rusty memory finally k
(Camilla’s POV)“You first!” The sounds of kids playing in the playground filled the air.I have been here, waiting for them to arrive. I was earlier than I intended. I was also feeling a little nervous that's why.After everything, I found out about JM’s true identity, I have never really been able to talk to the child. It makes me guilty. I didn't want to affect him, but it was impossible to happen.I really thought that he was Kalel’s child with Jamaica.A part of me was happy that we could finally grant the child’s wish, which is to have a complete family, but I was sad at the same time. I love Kalel, and would have wanted him for myself.Completing JM’s dream was destroying mine.I focused my eyes at the fun view ahead. The playground is a symphony of squeals and laughter. Children chase each other, their shrieks echoing through the air.I sit on a bench, watching them play, my heart a little lighter than it was earlier.I'm supposed to meet JM here. Kalel told me the little boy
(Camilla’s POV)“Come on, Camilla,” Kalel says, his voice laced with a playful urgency. “Becky misses you. You should see her face light up whenever she mentions your name.”I glance at him, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. He’s leaning against the counter, a mug of steaming coffee in his hand, his gaze fixed on me.He knows I’m hesitant. He knows I’m still grappling with the guilt of leaving Becky behind, of not saying a proper goodbye.Whatever happened in the past really clicked a button in me that's why I wasn't really thinking right.It's also the reason why I wasn't able to see Becky before I left. I felt so guilty that I didn't even dare to call her after that. I thought I didn't deserve a chance to explain my side.Maybe, I am really just the problem.“I know, Kalel,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. “But I’m not sure I’m ready to go back yet.”He sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Camilla, it’s just a visit. It’s not like you’re moving back permanently.”Th
(Camilla’s POV)The aroma of roasted garlic and herbs fills Kalel's apartment as he cooks his favorite dish that he wanted to share with me. It was accompanied with a soft jazz playing in the background.It's a familiar scent, one that brings back a flood of memories of our happy moments together. We used to eat together, laughing and arguing over who ordered the best menu.Now, it's just me and Kalel, sitting across from each other at his sleek, modern dining table.I’m trying my best to keep sober."This is amazing," I say, taking a bite of the perfectly seared salmon. "You haven't lost your touch."He smiles, a flicker of something I can't quite place in his eyes. "I've been cooking a lot lately. Trying to keep myself busy."Busy? I guess being trillionaire has its own sides of making you so popular that you can't even do one thing right.I nod, understanding. We both know that "busy" is a euphemism for "trying to forget."We are both so busy trying to forget the pain, the anger, t
(Camilla’s POV)I found myself being taken to a hotel.This is where he must be staying for whatever business he has in my city currently. I don't want to believe that he came here for me.That's a stupid thing.The plush carpet of his hotel room feels strangely foreign beneath my feet. I stumble, my laughter echoing in the quiet space as I try to regain my balance. Kalel catches my arm, his grip firm but gentle, guiding me towards the plush sofa."You're a terrible liar, you know that?" I slur, my words thick with alcohol. "You miss me, don't you? Even though you have a child with someone else."I am hurting in my own words, but I didn't stop.I wanted him to know how fucking miserable I am after he chose another woman over me.Kalel ruined me.He doesn't answer, his gaze fixed on me as he helps me settle onto the sofa. I watch him, a strange mix of anger and longing swirling inside me.Is he pretending not to hear me? or did he forget what he did to me already?He can't just come he
(Camilla’s POV)[Four Months Later]"I promise, Timmy, I'll buy you all the toy cars you want," I say, kneeling down to meet the little boy's wide, hopeful eyes. He smiles, his gap-toothed grin lighting up his face. "Just tell me what kind you like."I heard from the nuns that this little boy is the only one not impressed with all the toys I bought for them. Of course, as a billionaire, I can't allow that to happen.I want everyone to be happy in this orphanage.I have to admit that I don't really have a good taste in selecting toys. I should have let my bodyguard pick them instead of me.Timmy rattles off a list of cars, his voice filled with excitement, each one more fantastical than the last. I listen patiently, my mind drifting, a familiar ache settling in my chest.Ever since what happened between me and Kalel, I found solace in donating in orphanages like this one.It was the only purpose I thought I had left.I got scared to fall in love again, and I don't think I’m ready to op
(Camilla’s POV)I walk down the deserted road, cool night air caressing my skin, weight from all that I had left behind weighing heavier with every step.The silence is thick; it wasn't quiet but just cut by the hum of crickets in the distance and the sound of my footsteps.I grasp tightly onto my suitcase, feeling its hard texture dig into my palm. I don't know how far the bus station is, but frankly, I don't care.A chance to get away from here, from all pain and confusion smothering me, that's all I wanted.Headlights cut through the dark suddenly, illuminating my tiny figure, and the low rumble of a car reaches my ears. I say a silent prayer that whoever it is will just drive past, but the car slows down and comes to a stop right in front of me.My heart pounds in my chest as I freeze.For a quick second, I wonder if this might be Kalel, but then I catch a glimpse of a face leaning out of the driver's side window-one that's inescapably recognizable.“Camilla?" Justin's voice is la
(Camilla’s POV)It is so quiet upon my arrival to the house, that kind of quietness that really exaggerates the sound of every noise-my footsteps across the hardwood floor, the creak of the door as I push it open.Darkness surrounds me, and the emptiness is nearly suffocating.Becky is not home, and for that, I am grateful. I do not want anyone to see me this way, in pieces and trying to hold myself together.I don't waste any time. I go to my room, tug out the suitcase from underneath the bed, and throw it open. My hands shake while stuffing my clothes into the case; all this time, I can barely see a thing through my tears.I just can't stay here anymore; I just can't keep lying to myself about how I can finally have it all-family, love, a new start.Foolish of me even to have presumed that I could make a fresh start, to be happy. My past has caught up with me again; it has followed me just like a shadow, and then caught up with me again, snatching away any chance of happiness.I sho
(Camilla’s POV)We found ourselves at a local diner near the beach. It has a great view here. It reminds me of something.Kalel grins as he watches me take a timidly cautious bite of the grilled fish he has just introduced me to. "How is it?" he asks with eyes twinkling in amusement.I chew thoughtfully, trying to savor the flavors. "It's.actually really good," I admit, surprised. "Much better than that time you made me try those sea urchins on our first date.Kalel laughs low and deep, the sound a muted rumble like thunder on a spring evening. "Hey, I was just trying to impress you with my adventurous palate," he teases, slouching back in his chair."Yeah, well, you almost gave me a reason to run for the hills," I reply, shaking my head at the memory. "I couldn't wait to leave that night.“I know," he says, his voice softening as he reaches across the table to take my hand. "But look at us now."I smile at him, squeezing his hand. "Yeah.look at us now.”He shook his head, trying to g
(Camilla's POV)He takes a deep breath, and his voice is low, hesitant. "There's something I've never really told anyone," he starts off, his eyes flicking up to meet mine briefly before dropping back down. "About my father.I say nothing, just wait for him to continue.By the tone in which he speaks, I can tell this is not easy; I don't want to push him, but again, I want him to know I am here and listening.When I was a kid, my dad. He wasn't a good man," Kalel says, his voice barely above a whisper. "He used to. hurt me physically. A lot. He would lock me in a closet for hours, sometimes overnight, just because I did something that reminded him of my mom."Those words hit me like a blow to my gut. I could not even believe what was being said.That confident, strong man, now sitting beside me, so composed and appearing always in control-the one who, as a small child, was terrified when trapped in the dark by one who should have protected him.He blamed me for her death, says Kalel,